Meeting the Devils no big deal

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This article was published 20/03/2024 (565 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

NEWARK, N.J. – Tyler Toffoli’s time in New Jersey was short and not so sweet.

Sure, he was productive during his 61 games wearing a Devils jersey, just as he’s been during previous stops in Los Angeles, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary. The team itself struggled mightily under the weight of lofty expectations, to the point the Devils became sellers, and not buyers, at the recent NHL trade deadline.

So the 31-year-old returns Thursday night to his most-recent former stomping grounds, viewing this more as just another game on the schedule rather than a special event.

“It’s not going to be too emotional in that regard,” Toffoli told the Free Press following Wednesday’s skate inside Prudential Center.

“But it’s definitely one of those things where you want to prove something. You always want to be part of a solution anywhere you go, and that’s definitely something I’m going to be looking forward to.”

Toffoli has certainly been everything the Winnipeg Jets could have hoped for – and then some – since he was acquired on March 8 from New Jersey in exchange for a pair of draft picks (2024 third round, 2025 second round).

After being held off the scoresheet in his first two outings, the pending unrestricted free agent has four goals and two assists in the past three games — all victories for the Jets. The first two, over the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets, were expected. The most recent, over the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, was exceptional.

“It was a good test for us. They’re missing a few guys but at the same time we played really well and found a way to win,” said Toffoli, who is up to 30 goals and 20 assists in 66 games this year.

The Jets are without a key player as well in winger Gabe Vilardi, who continues to deal with an enlarged spleen and is out indefinitely. Toffoli’s addition to the top six, on a potent line with Sean Monahan and Nikolaj Ehlers, has been a big deal.

“Veteran player. You play that many games, win a Stanley Cup (his rookie year with the Kings), you’re going through experiences that other guys haven’t,” associate coach Scott Arniel, who is currently calling the shots with Rick Bowness sidelined with a medical issue, said of the value of Toffoli.

“You always want to be part of a solution anywhere you go, and that’s definitely something I’m going to be looking forward to.”–Tyler Toffoli

“Just being in that room, calming guys down in certain situations. What he’s brought to the power play, kind of like what Gabe does, being that right-handed shot close to the net. He’s got a skillset that is hard to teach. The other side, too, is he’s a pure goal scorer. When he gets those looks, he doesn’t miss too often. When you get that kind of depth, as we did this late in the year, that’s a big shot for us confidence wise.”

For Toffoli, it’s also been a big boost to hit the road with his new teammates for some extended bonding time. This five-game road trip, which will end this weekend with back-to-back matinees against the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, is the longest of the season.

A 2-0-0 start to the journey, plus the opportunity to hunker down in the same New York hotel for the entire week, doesn’t hurt the cause, either.

“It’s great. With that win (Tuesday) night, had a bunch of guys go for dinner and had a great night,” said Toffoli. “Find a way to bond outside the game, that goes a long way. It was definitely a good time.”

Toffoli was asked what he’s learned so far about a Jets team (44-19-5) that is currently sitting in the No. 1 spot in both the Central Division and Western Conference (based on points percentage).

“How close of a group it is,” he said. “It’s fun to be in the room, to be able to have good discussions. It’s a close group where if it slips a bit, there’s going to be a talk about it.”

He’s also thrilled to be surrounded by superstars such as centre Mark Scheifele (three goals against New York) and goalie Connor Hellebuyck (40 saves), who both signed seven-year contract extensions with the Jets prior to the start of this season.

“They’re the two best players on our team, right? We follow their lead,” said Toffoli. “They’re the two guys we look to lead the team and lead the locker room, and they’ve been doing a great job.”

A return to his previous hockey home has allowed Toffoli and his wife, Cat, to do a bit of housekeeping after the mad dash to get to Winnipeg.

“Got to pack up another suitcase and bring it with me. Other than that, it’s been pretty smooth,” he said.

Although the location and opponent might not have him feeling sentimental, there is one thing about Thursday’s contest that will be a source of pride. It will be the 800th game of Toffoli’s career.

“It’s always fun to hit those personal milestones,” he said. “For myself, people have always kind of doubted me, saying I’m too slow and all of that. I think I’ve done a pretty good job. Knock on wood, 800 (on Thursday) and no plan on stopping.”

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

X: @mikemcintyrewpg